Football

ISL 2023-24: Individual mistakes due to pressure cost us the game – Punjab FC coach Staikos Vergetis

Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis admitted individual mistakes due to pressure cost them the game against reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated the new entrant by 3-1 to kick off their Hero ISL 2023-24 campaign on a high. MBSG talisman Dimitri Petratos scored in the 34th minute after Jason Cummings found the back of the net in the ninth minute.

Majcen got one back for the visitors in the second half however Manvir Singh once again extended the home team’s lead.

Vergetis feels they played better in the second half and believes the difference between I-League and ISL is the transition game and they will need to adjust to the league.

“We played our first game. My players were a bit stressed, and some individual mistakes brought us back to zero,” Vergetis said in the press conference.

“But in the second half, the team got better. We had one very good period,” he added.

“The big difference between I-league and ISL is the transition game. In ISL, the games have a lot of transitions from both sides and you have to be well prepared for this. We did not play any transitions. This is the difference between the two divisions. I think,” Vergetis continued.

Talking about playing a foreign goalkeeper, Vergetis said, “Kiran was the best goalkeeper in the I-League last year. He helped the team as Luka Majcen and Mera a lot. That’s why we kept these three players,” he said.

“Of course, we have two very good Indian goalkeepers, and depending on the plans of the game, will decide about the four positions. The goalkeeper position is one crucial position in football, and it’s not so strange as you think because I have heard this question many times,” he concluded.

This was Punjab FC’s first match in the ISL and they will look to learn from their mistakes. The Shers will play their second match of the season against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on 2nd October.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024